Rice prices on the increase as harvest draws to a close

Dar es Salaam. Rice prices have started rising due to limited supply as the harvest season has ended in many regions.

Market data indicate that the rice prices increased in Dar es Salaam markets to between Sh150,000 and Sh200,000 per 100-kilo bag last Friday from Sh120,000-180,000 on July 22.

The prices vary depending on the quality of rice.

However, they were lower than the prices recorded on April 10, 2018, which ranged from Sh160,000 to Sh220,000.

Wholesalers attributed price increases to supply cuts resulting from the ending of the harvest season in various regions where rice is produced.

Tandika market chairman Mohamed Mwekya told The Citizen that the amount of rice supply had decreased.

“Around 20 lorries used to supply rice every day, but now the number has decreased to only 15 lorries,” he said.

Data from the Ministry of Industries, Trade and Investment indicate that the price was the lowest in Mwanza: at Sh110,000 per 100-kilo bag of rice on September 7. Prices were Sh160,000 and Sh200,000 in Arusha and Ruvuma.

The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) economic review for July shows that wholesale rice prices fell by 3.7 per cent to an average of Sh165,420.6 for 100-kilo bag in June 2018, down from Sh171,700.9 in a similar period last year.

Tabora is is the largest rice producer in Tanzania, with Morogoro, Shinyanga,Iringa, Mbeya and Arusha following, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Nutritionists say health benefits of rice include supplying energy, fighting inflammation, reducing cancer risk, supporting nervous system health, promoting heart health, preventing constipation and controlling blood sugar levels.

, supporting immune system health, a great source of selenium and a natural diuretic.